Router Safety Rules

Before operating the Router you are required to know each of the following rules pertaining to operating and using the Router safely. You must pass the Router safety quiz before using the Router. Additionally, you must have had a demonstration on its proper use.

Before Turning the Router On: 1. Get permission from the instructor to use the Router. 2. Always wear safety glasses/safety goggles while using the Router and while working in the shop. 3. Select the bit or cutter you want. If the bit has a roller bearing, make sure it is secure. 4. Inspect the bit or cutter for damage. If any damage is found, notify the instructor. 5. Make sure the router is unplugged. 6. After making a bit or cutter selection, make sure the proper collet is installed in the router. 7. Insert the bit or cutter most of the way into the collet. Tighten with the proper wrenches. With the router upside down, hold the motor shaft with the smaller wrench and then turn the nut clockwise (or Righty Tighty) to tighten. 8. Remove the wrenches and make sure the clear plastic chip guard is in place. 9. Make sure the bit or cutter turns freely. 10. Adjust the depth of the cut that will be made. Loosen the base-to-motor lock-down lever and adjust the motor to base height as needed. If it is to be a “heavy cut”, then adjust the Router “shallow”, and plan on making several passes. 11. Make sure the base-to-motor lock-down lever is secure.

Operating the Router: 12. CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION. 13. Plug the Router into an outlet. 14. NEVER allow your hands/fingers to grab the base of the Router. Instead, hold the Router by its handles or hold it by the motor body. 15. NEVER turn the Router on with the bit or cutter touching your stock. 16. When the Router is first turned on, there is a lot of torque which will twist the whole Router clockwise. Be sure you have a good grip on the Router and anticipate this twisting motion. 17. Secure (clamp or use Router pad) a scrap piece of wood and gently and smoothly, ease the Router bit/cutter into it and keep moving. Stopping in one place or moving too slowly will burn the wood. Make sure the base is resting flat. Often, as you work your way around a piece of wood, you’ll have to vary the direction you apply pressure to the handles to keep the base flat on the wood. 18. Turn the Router on and wait until it has reached full speed before starting to cut/shape your stock. Adjust the Router speed, if necessary. Very large bits/cutters are to be operated at a slower speed and multiple passes. 19. Position the Router so that the clear plastic chip guard is facing you. 20. If you’ll be routing an outside edge, move the Router in a counterclockwise direction. 21. If you’ll be routing an inside edge, then move the Router in a clockwise direction. 22. If you’ll be routing Edge and End grain, route End grain first to clean up any tear-out. 23. NEVER GRAB THE ROUTER BY THE BASE. 24. Concentrate, Concentrate, Concentrate! Do not let yourself become distracted at any time while operating the Router. Keep your full attention on the stock and keeping the base flat. 25. Listen to the sound the Router makes as it is operating. If something doesn’t sound right, turn the Router off and notify the instructor. Router Table: 26. You should never put your work between the fence and the router bit. That is just asking for trouble. 27. Always feed your work in the proper direction, i.e. against the bit rotation. This is called an anti-climb cut, which is right to left when facing your router table. 28. Use a router table & fence when feasible. Properly secure your work piece and use a push shoe and/or feather boards whenever possible.

After Routing Your Stock: 29. When finished routing, turn the Router off and hold it in an upright position until it stops moving, and then set it down. 30. Unplug the Router and then blow chips/dust out of the Router with an air hose. 31. Remove the bit/cutter, and return everything to their respective storage places.

Final Thought: 32. If you’re unsure about the application of any of these rules to your specific situation, ask the instructor.